STO (Split Training Option) Question

September 13th, 2012, 10:44 PM

Hello,

I plan on joining the guard and my intention is to join as a 68W, but the 25 weeks training is posing a problem. The reason that this a problem is because I am in graduate school and I can't miss a semester for my AIT. The STO seems like the perfect choice for me, but according to my recruiter that I talked to there is a problem. With the STO they cant guarantee that my AIT would be in the summer, because apparently there are training deployment dates in January. What this would mean is that even if I do the STO option I might be forced to do my AIT in January or around there, rather than in the summer following my Basic.

I was wondering what are the chances with STO that I would get the summer training dates for my AIT. And if there is something I can do to guarantee it? Thanks guys.

Based on my knowledge and I would be corrected if I am wrong; split-training is available primarily for MOSes that fall under OSUT. For example, Infantry, MP, Chemical, Combat Engineer. I don know know if that is the case with 68W.

Comment

My company in AIT (68W) had about a dozen split-ops, including myself. It is possible and they can work it out. The problem with getting an AIT date though it there are many variables and you only get so many months off from college and you may get stuck at AIT a few more weks that you were planning to. Your best bet is to either take a semester off, or go to BCT one summer then go AIT after you finish your degree the following year.

The 16 weeks for AIT could be as long at 20+ weeks if you get stuck in reception. We had 2 dozen people get stuck there for a month because they plane from BCT was late and they missed the start of their training by 45 minutes.

The 16 weeks for AIT could be as long at 20+ weeks if you get stuck in reception. We had 2 dozen people get stuck there for a month because they plane from BCT was late and they missed the start of their training by 45 minutes.

In other words, the class filled up so they got bumped to the next one. There is no way that this was based on them having to "make up" 45 minutes of training. That would be an obvious IG complaint.

Comment

Based on my knowledge and I would be corrected if I am wrong; split-training is available primarily for MOSes that fall under OSUT. For example, Infantry, MP, Chemical, Combat Engineer. I don know know if that is the case with 68W.

To add to this, STO is often reserved primarily for High School Students and THEN some college students, if there are slots available.

I don't think it's "impossible", but I would discuss your situation with your recruiter as soon as you can. If it comes down to it, can you finish your degree first or put your training off for a semester?

Comment

STO is avalible for any MOS, however Cass is right that your school dates may simply end up conflicting due to length of training and the dates you HAVE to be back in school. You CAN delay shipping even to BCT (and simply perform RSP drills) until next summer, and then do a shorter OSUT MOS in the summer that will combine BCT and AIT in a managable period. The question you have to ask yourself is WHY are you joining? Is it for educational incentives, or the MOS? If it's for incentives, I'd simply pick a shorter MOS and call it good.